Read Online The Duke's Dilemma by Fenella J Miller - Free Book Online Page B

I’m
quite well now, thank you.’ She hoped he’d take the hint that she wished him to
remove himself back to his chair on the other side of the grate.
      He
didn’t move. Instead he slowly raised his right-hand. He was going to touch
her. She flinched away. Instantly he was on his feet, his expression polite, no
sign of that disturbing glitter in his eyes.
    ‘I shan’t keep you much longer, Miss Frobisher,
but I wished to tell you what I have discovered so far. Shall I return tomorrow
when you’re feeling more the thing?’
    ‘I told you, I’m feeling perfectly well. We
haven’t yet settled the nonsensical matter of you believing you are my guardian.’
    He raised eyebrow and relaxed, hooking his arm
around the back of the chair in an infuriating manner. ‘That isn’t open for
discussion, my dear girl. It’s a fact. Indisputable. Whilst we’re both here I
am morally and legally responsible for you.’
    She bit her lip. He was right; women, even
those who’d reached their majority, were so regarded by the law. Perhaps whilst
she was incarcerated at Neddingfield she should pretend to accept his authority
and in that way she would at least be able to participate in the solving of
this mystery.
    ‘Very well; you have my permission to ride
Thunder and take care of Jet.’
    ‘Thank you. Have I also your permission to—’
    ‘If we are not to be at daggers drawn, your
grace, I would much prefer it if you desisted from poking fun at me.’ She gave
him no time to answer, merely smiled brightly and ploughed on. ‘I’ve been
thinking of nothing else but what has taken place here. I believe I might have
come up with something. However, before I expound my theories I’d like to hear
the facts you have for they might contradict my deductions.’
    ‘I’ll tell you all I know, which I warn you is
not much. I’m certain both Aunt Agatha and the staff left here on horseback the
day before we arrived. I’m also certain they went willingly and may have been
duped by a band of men masquerading as soldiers. I can also tell you that
Polly, the girl who was almost abducted today, believed they were looking for
her particularly. She told me she’s walking out with the under groom, you would
have known him, Sam Roberts?’ Hester nodded and regretted it. ‘This is the
girl’s only connection to Neddingfield. Whoever is behind this needs Sam
Robert’s betrothed.’
    Neither spoke for a moment, both mulling over
the facts. The crackling of the logs and the wind rattling the shutters was the
only sound in the room.
    ‘What you’ve told me, your grace, more or less
fits in with what I had surmised. You’ve found no sign of anyone within a few
miles of here, which makes me think they must have boarded a ship.’ She waited
for him to laugh at her explanation but he didn’t; he spoke on another subject
entirely
    ‘Do you know, I’m heartily sick of being called Lord Colebrook and your grace by all and sundry. We are
related - could you not bring yourself to call me by my given name?’
      ‘Call
you Ralph ? I should think not; we’re
barely acquainted. Miss Bird would fly up in the boughs at such a thing.’ Her
lips twitched, unable to resist his pleading look. ‘I shall call you Cousin
Ralph; that must be acceptable.’
    ‘Thank you. I shall address you in future as
Cousin Hester. Now that’s settled let me think about your theory.’ He slapped
his thigh, the sudden sound startling her. ‘Good God! I think you’re right. We
haven’t found them and they were certainly heading towards the coast. However,
that doesn’t explain what persuaded Aunt Agatha to leave in the dead of night
to embark on a sea journey in November.’
    ‘What about the horses? Surely they wouldn’t
have taken them? I know Thunder hates to walk across a bridge, let alone board
a ship. If they left by sea, we should find their mounts hidden near the coast.
Have your men not looked for them?’
    His eyes widened. ‘Looked for the